Bell was peppered with questions from the children about the bombing, which was carried out by Ku Klux Klansmen convicted decades after the incident. "These kids are not much younger than the four little girls who died," Bell said in a press conference after his talk. "My purpose for being here is not to instill fear, but to help these kids understand how far we've come as a city."

Bell said he chose Phillips Academy for the appearance because during the 1960s civil rights movement, when the school was the all-white Phillips High School, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was beaten after trying to enroll his children there.

Bell said Phillips' history will be highlighted during a series of activities he is planning for 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary of the events of 1963. He said the remembrance can bring in tourists from across the globe who will spend money in the city.

"My goal is to show how Birmingham changed the world," the mayor said. "We have opportunities in 2013 to show how we have become an inclusive city and generate positive exposure for Birmingham."